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SPALDING ACADEMY BOOSTERS CLUB: Offering an Exciting Evening of Food and Fellowship for a Cause
In a June 2019 message, Pope Francis emphasized the continuing importance of Catholic education: “In a particular way, Catholic educational institutions have the mission of offering horizons that are open to transcendence so that Catholic education can make a difference by cultivating spiritual values in young people.”
The pope’s words touch upon one of the greatest gifts we have in our Catholic schools — a place where students come to receive not only an excellent academic education but a strong foundation in the faith that will shape their values and worldview for a lifetime.
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Each year, our Spalding Academy Boosters Club sponsors an event that brings our community together for fun, food, and fellowship — all in support of the wonderful Catholic education provided by the school. The annual fundraiser usually takes place in August or September, offering attendees a delicious dinner and the chance to participate in an exciting auction.
The Spalding Shamrocks first began hosting a dinner auction just over five years ago, due to the need for a bus and other items and supplies. Thanks to these successful events, Spalding Academy has been able to defray many operating costs not just for its athletic programs, but for the academic side of things, as well.
“Typically, the money raised is used to pay for all the gas and repairs on the buses, the athletic programs and the banners in the gym, and supplements to the teachers’ salaries,” says Booster Club member Mary Glesinger. “If you think about most schools, funds raised might be used primarily for athletics, but in our school, it’s closer to 75 percent toward teacher salaries and operating expenses and about 25 percent for booster stuff.”
At this annual event, there is certainly something for everyone — the incredible food prepared by the Carraher brothers, the entertainment of the auction, and, best of all, the opportunity to meet and mingle with old and new friends in our area Catholic community.
For Mary, helping with the Booster Club and the fundraiser is a chance to give back for the many blessings her family has received from Spalding Academy. Both of her children are alumni of the school, as are their father and grandparents.
Mary is thankful for the strong foundation in the faith that the school provides. She enjoys being a part of the Boosters community and is always inspired by the level of commitment demonstrated by the school’s teachers, students, and families.
“I like the students and their families,” Mary says. “[I stay involved because] I enjoy the camaraderie of the people working together. I want the students to have the resources to succeed with their extracurricular activities, and I have the time to help out. The school parents are very active in boosters on top of being on sports teams and fundraising for each class.”
